D'Yquem 1975 (750ML)

100 RP / 20 JR / 98 WA

Another perfect yquem, the 1975 (100 points). Evolving at a snail's pace, this Yquem has always reminded me of some of the legends of the 20th century, the 1937 and 1921 for example. The wine still has a relatively light-gold color, a restrained but fascinating bouquet of smoke, honeyed peaches, pineapple, apricots and hazelnuts intermixed with the telltale orange marmalade, coconut and creme brulee notes. A wine of extraordinary power but also remarkable finesse, it builds incrementally in the mouth, and just goes on and on in the finish, with a persistence that I once timed to be two minutes. It is a tour de force in winemaking and one of the all-time great Yquems. Believe it or not, it still needs another 10-20 years to reach maturity. Anticipated Maturity: 2015-2075. - Robert Parker, The Bordeaux Book, Fourth Edition

Utterly fabulous. It was served blind but was pretty obvious what it was. Deep orangey caramel colour. Creamy texture and extremely heady on the nose. Barley sugar and wonderful vitality and balance.  Surely this would convince the most committed hater of sweet wines. 1975 is such a great Sauternes vintage. - Jancis Robinson

The 1975 Chteau d'Yquem stands as one of the towering successes of that decade and at 40 years of age, it shows no signs of losing any of its prowess. This bottle represented one of the best that I have encountered. Iridescent in color, the bouquet soars from the glass, a pyrotechnic display of quince, Clementine, honey and a touch of aszu, lending it a slight Tokaji-like personality. It is beautifully defined and intense. The palate is pure and detailed with a killer line of acidity, vibrant honeyed fruit and a mellifluous finish that is now fully expressive. It vies with the imperious 1971 as the greatest Yquem of that era. This is simply magnificent. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate